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Lake Taupo is a trout fishing haven, offering excellent boat fishing and shoreline fishing throughout the year. The waters are replete with large brown and rainbow trout, and average 1.4 kg in size. But before you think about catching a whopper, you need to get a Taupo trout fishing licence.
The largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, Lake Taupo was created by a super-volcanic eruption about 25,000 years ago. It is home to the aforementioned rainbow trout and brown trout, as well as other fish species such as koaro, common bully and common smelt.
Over 30 streams and rivers drain into Lake Taupo. It receives between 1250 mm and 2000 mm of rainfall every year. The lake water is clear and safe to swim in, thanks to efforts by the Waikato Regional Council.
Fishing in the Lake Taupo district without a licence attracts an infringement fine or prosecution. The Lake Taupo district comprises the lake and its tributaries, including Lake Kuratau, Lake Rotoaira, Waikato River to Huka Falls, and Moawhango.
The licence is administered by the Department of Conservation. It is valid from 1 July to 30 June each year. A fishing licence that you may have acquired in any other fishing district in New Zealand is not valid in Lake Taupo.
You have two options to buy a Taupo trout fishing licence:
Visit the Department of Conservation website. Choose the class of licence you want and proceed to make your payment. To make the purchase, you will need to provide the following information: the dates on which you will be fishing in the region, your first and last name, date of birth, and gender.
Taupo fishing licences are available from a number of visitor centres, sports shops, retailers in the Taupo area.
Turangi's favourite tackle shop. We sell rods, lines, fly reels, waders, boots and accessories.
At Fly & Gun Hunting & Fishing we specialise in fresh water tackle, firearms, hunting apparel and advice for hunting and fishing in the Central North Island. We also carry a huge range of outdoor clothing and camping equipment.
Taupo's coolest little fishing and hunting shop, for all of your outdoor adventure needs. Locally owned and operated, pop in for service with a smile or visit hamills.co.nz!
Pitch the family tent, park the caravan, or campervan, launch the boat, enjoy the family and create holiday memories. Situated on State Highway 1 midway between Taupo and Turangi.
$39 - $195Fishing outfitters to the world famous Tongariro River. Whether you’re walking, tramping, mountain biking, rafting, hunting, fishing, boating or just enjoying the great outdoors, Sporting Life is there to make it more enjoyable.
We specialize in all trout fishing equipment, fly fishing, spinning, trolling, harling and jigging. We have Taupō's best selection of flies and lures, and we know which ones are working!
Tongariro Lodge is New Zealand's most iconic trout fishing lodge. Situated on the banks of the legendary Tongariro River on the Southern shores of Lake Taupo. Enjoy the outdoors in style perfect for trout fisherman and outdoor enthusiasts.
$199 - $595Botany Hunting & Fishing - The popular hunting and fishing store is among the outlets where you can buy a fishing licence for Lake Taupo.
If you will be spending some time in the Waikato region, you can visit any of these offline or online outlets to inquire about getting a Taupo trout fishing licence.
If you're based or staying in Manawatu, Taranaki or the Whanganui region, you can consider purchasing the licence at these outlets:
In Hawke's Bay, you can stop by at Hastings' Rivers to Rangers or Napier's Guns & Tackle.
The fees are inclusive of goods and services tax.
• Senior: An individual aged 65 years or older on 1 July
• Child: An individual who is under 18 years of age on 1 July
The fee is non-refundable. In exceptional cases, refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Note that Lake Rotoaira is privately owned, and you need a permit to go fishing or boating. You can buy the access permit at these retailers:
Boat fishing, fly fishing and spin fishing: You're required to stay 200 metres away from the stream mouths. The mouths are marked with white, yellow and black rings, so this should be your reference.
Fishing from an anchored boat is permitted less than 200 metres from the Tongariro river mouth, Tauranga-Taupo river mouth and Te Rae Point.
Boat fishing is prohibited in the Taupo Boat Harbour.
Disclaimer: The process of getting a licence is subject to change. Always check with the licence agent for up-to-date information.